Practical Blacksmithing: The Original Classic in One Volume - Over 1,000 Illustrations

By Milton Thomas Richardson

Book Overview

Originally published in four volumes, "Practical Blacksmithing" remains as relevant now as it was at the turn of the twentieth century. Featuring an abundance of information and over 1,000 illustrations, this guide provides everything you need to understand the techniques and craftsmanship of blacksmithing. Processes covered include soldering, welding, brazing, forging, tempering, cutting, bending, setting, drilling, fullering, and swaging. Richardson also describes the usage of a variety of smithing equipment such as forges, anvils, and a variety of tools. This unabridged guide covers every aspect of working with iron and steel with an assortment of diagrams and concise instructions. Richardson explains strength tests for wrought iron and steel, heating and hardening steel, rotting and crystallization of iron, selecting quality steel, restoring burnt steel, artistic ironwork, and the general usefulness of these metals. Learn how to work on chains, knives, sleds, wagons, horseshoes, and more. Inside you will also find plans for blacksmith shops, which detail chimney building, forge construction, and blueprints for a variety of workbenches. The tool collector will also find this guide of immense value as Richardson covers the history of blacksmithing tools. He provides a catalog of antique tools, which are no longer commercially available, accompanied by instructions for repairing, preserving, and replicating them. Similarly, this book provides historians with a glimpse into the progression of metalworking and its aesthetics and also includes an addendum of original advertisements printed in the original editions of the late 1800s. M. T. Richardson's "Practical Blacksmithing" is the comprehensive guide for modern artisans of this ancient craft.

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 1626541167
• ISBN13: 9781626541160
• Release Date: April 2015
• Publisher: Echo Point Books & Media
• Length: 1150 Pages
• Weight: 4.60 lbs.
• Dimensions: 2.3" x 7.5" x 9.3"

Customer Reviews

Blacksmithing

I bought these books for my son per his request. He said they arrived as promised and were in very good shape. He said he has enjoyed reading and learning about the craft and is looking forward to building his own "glory hole". David's Mom

Great window of blacksmith history

Great view of blacksmithing of the 1880's. Lots of good suggestions for today. I bought the hardback with all 4 volumes in one. Great deal for the combined volume.

M.T. Richardson's Practical Blacksmithing is a must-have for both hobbyists and professional balcksm

I first came across this book in a used book store in virginia over ten years ago. I lent it to a friend, and promptly forgot who had it. When you get your copy, chain it to your forge.This book is a comprehensive treatise on the art of blacksmithing, as it was practiced at the turn of the century. It covers the basics of working with iron, detailing how to determine temperature by color, how to build your forge fire, how to use the basic tools and so forth, but it goes far beyond that.In this book, you can find descriptions of such nearly forgotten subjects as how to weld wagon tires, how to make hoops for your local cooper's use, and even how to repair a broken anvil!This book is a fascinating, clearly written encyclopedia of a nearly forgotten industry.